"...if anyone makes the assistance of grace depend on the humility or obedience of man and does not agree that it is a gift of grace itself that we are obedient and humble, he contradicts the Apostle who says, "What have you that you did not receive?" (1 Cor. 4:7), and, "But by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Cor. 15:10). (Council of Orange: Canon 6)

76 Sermons and Essays from the Works of B. B. Warfield

This eBook comes complete with an active linked Table of Contents, making navigation quicker and easier. Read it in your Kindle, Nook, Sony eReader, iPad or hand-held device.

Annihilationism
Apologetics
Atonement
Biblical Doctrine of the Trinity, The
Biblical Idea of Revelation, The
Brief and Untechnical Statement of the Reformed Faith, A
Calvin as a Theologian
Calvin's Doctrine of God
Calvin's Doctrine of the Creation
Calvin's Doctrine of the Knowledge of God
Calvin's Doctrine of the Trinity
Calvinism
Calvinism Today
Charles Darwin's Religious Life: A Sketch in Spiritual Biography
Children in the Hands of the Arminians, The
Christ Our Sacrifice
Christ that Paul Preached, The
Christian Baptism
Development of the Doctrine of Infant Salvation, The
Divine Origin of the Bible, The
Edwards and the New England Theology
Election
Foresight of Jesus, The
Formation of the Canon of the New Testament, The
Glorified Christ, The
God
God Our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
God's Immeasurable Love
God-Inspired Scripture
Gospel of Paul, The
Gospel of the Covenant, The
Idea and Theories of Revelation, The
Idea of Systematic Theology, The
Imitating the Incarnation
Imputation
Incarnate Truth
Inspiration
Inspiration and Criticism
Inspiration of the Bible, The
Introductory Essay on Augustin and the Pelagian Controversy
It Says: Scripture Says: God Says
Jesus Mission, According to His Own Testimony
Jesus Only
John Calvin: The Man and His Work
Lamb of God, The
Latest Phase of Historical Rationalism, The
Making of the Westminster Confession, The
Millennium and the Apocalypse, The
Modern Theories of the Atonement
Mysticism and Christianity
New Testament Terminology of Redemption, The
Ninety-Five Theses in Their Theological Significance, The
On Faith in Its Psychological Aspects
On the Antiquity and the Unity of the Human Race
On the Biblical Notion of Renewal
Person of Christ, The
Plan of Salvation, The
Polemics of Infant Baptism, The
Power of God unto Salvation, The
Predestination
Predestination in the Reformed Confessions
Prodigal Son, The
Prophesies of St. Paul, The
Real Problem of Inspiration, The
Redeemer and Redemption
Review of Lewis Sperry Chafer's He That Is Spiritual, A
Right of Systematic Theology, The
Risen Jesus, The
Some Thoughts on Predestination
Spirit of God in the Old Testament, The
Task and Method of Systematic Theology, The
The ArchÃ¦ology of the Mode of Baptism
The Twentieth-Century Christ
Theology of John Calvin, The
Theology of the Reformation, The
Westminster Assembly and Its Work, The

Adding to the List

Justification According to the Roman Catholic Church - Its Complicated!

Below you will find a video clip I put together (lasting approximately 5 minutes, 34 seconds) based on a question and answer session involving Dr. R.C. Sproul at a Ligonier Conference in Pittsburg, PA, in the year 2000.

Understanding 1 Timothy 2:4

I was recently asked, "how can election be true when 1 Timothy 2:4 clearly says that God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth?" I sought to provide an answer here. - JS

Crossing the line?

If a Bishop in the Church of England is in an openly homosexual relationship, no problem; denies the virgin birth or the resurrection of Christ, that's ok too; doesn't even believe in God; well, its still within the realm of "orthodoxy" - but suggest the Prince's proposed marriage to Kate wont last and you're outta here!

Some may say...

Some may say â€œbecause I am elect, it doesnâ€™t really matter how I live or what I do." Well the one thing I can say for sure about you is that you might be elect, but you are not yet converted. - Dr. Joseph Pipa

Understanding John 12:32

Question: John, I read your recent article on John 6:35-45 entitled "The Perseverance of the Saints," and I understand the following to be a brief summary of Jesus' words regarding God's Sovereign purpose in election from John 6:35-45: Unless it is granted, no one will come to Christ. All to whom it is granted will come to Christ, and all of these will be raised up to eternal life on the last day. So, this being the case, can you please explain to me the meaning of John 12:32, where Jesus said: "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself."? Its a very good question and I seek to give a brief answer here. - JS

False Faith and the Perseverance of the Saints

There is such a thing as false faith - a temporary excitement and affection for Christ - something that to outward observance, looks exactly like the real thing. But Jesus is never fooled by it as He makes clear in John chapter 6. Here's a brief article on it here. - JS

2 Peter 3:9 - Two Approaches

Question: The Bible seems to teach Divine election very clearly, and yet 2 Peter 3:9 says that God is not willing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. How do you explain this verse?

I have found two main ways this verse is dealt with by reformed people. There's the way Dr. R. C. Sproul and Dr. James White (and myself) would approach it and there is the way others such as Dr. John Piper do. I have just posted a short article about it here.

Psalm Twenty-Nine: Ascribe to Yahweh the Glory of His Name

Images of the Savior from the Psalms

Psalm Twenty-Nine: Ascribe to Yahweh the Glory of His Name

The all-encompassing and self-sustaining glory of God is most clearly displayed in this respect, that the only fitting praise for him is to ascribe to him the glory of his Name. In our most fervent worship, we are not extravagant or flattering; we are simply recounting truthfully the immense glory that belongs by essential right to his most reverent name. This is the only fitting occupation of the sons of God, under which designation we may consider either the elect angels or the elect among mankind, who have been adopted as the children of God (Rom. 8:14-17); or probably (and most appropriately), both. When we worship together with the angels of heaven (Heb. 12:22-24), we are to tell forth the truth that in him alone is glory and strength and the splendor of holiness, and that he has revealed that glory to his creatures; he has deigned to provide them with a Name upon which they might call, a Name which mysteriously wraps up all his glory and holy might.

Watch Out! The Charismatics are coming!

Spiritual Dyslexia

Dyslexia warps reality: the consequences of which can be catastrophic. It is something that causes great hardship to multitudes in our day. People with normal or even above normal intelligence suffer from dyslexia as the brain oftentimes reverses numbers, letters or words. It is a huge learning handicap and in severe cases can greatly limit education and employment opportunities. I also believe there is also a spiritual form of dyslexia. I wrote an article on this here. - JS

Psalm Twenty-Eight: He Has Heard the Voice of My Supplications

Images of the Savior from the Psalms

Psalm Twenty-Eight: He Has Heard the Voice of My Supplications

Who has never lifted up his voice and cried out to the Lord, secretly wondering all the while if his ear was deaf to his pleas, and if, on that day of judgment, he would finally be dragged off with the wicked (vss. 1-2), who in pretense of piety make long their prayers (Mat. 6:5-7)? These religious hypocrites speak peace to their neighbor, but their heart is full of wickedness (vs. 3); and so, too, do they pray in ostensible humility, but their heart is full of pride.

Reaching the Cities

Ordo Salutis (The Order of Salvation)

I am sure at some point you have seen crash dummies in a car as it hits a wall, and from several different angles, cameras record the event to note precisely how the collision impacted both the vehicle and the dummies inside. The videos are slowed down dramatically and observations are made which reveal a great deal. As any new car is introduced into the car market, car companies (as well as outside agency safety inspectors) conduct these kind of tests as standard procedure to ascertain the level of safety for passengers.

With this idea in view, I want us to take a fresh look at salvation from several angles. We will note that although many of the things happen in an instant, if we could slow the camera down (so to speak) we will see that one thing occurred before the other, just as the car had to hit the wall before the dent in the car could be observed. In referring to a sequence with regards to time we also speak of logical and causal order, for the simple reason that although (in time) two things seemed to occur instantly, logically speaking, one thing had to happen before the other - one thing was the cause of the other thing.

Someone might ask what is the point of such a study. I would reply that the conclusions we come to on these issues have a profound impact on how one views God, the gospel, and the Bible as a whole.

Sermons Online

A friend of mine with special technical talents has enabled me to post some of my sermons and teaching seminars online. Hopefully, over time, more material will be added, but the first three posted are:

The Five Solas of the Gospel

The Meaning of Life, the Universe and Everything

Rightly Handling the Word of Truth (a teaching session on interpreting the Bible)

Questions & Answers on Reformed Theology

Question and Answer sessions can be immensely helpful. I know this was true for me as I considered whether reformed theology is indeed biblical. This is one such session (below), and while only in audio, and from a good few years ago now, it is well worth hearing. Here, Dr James White exegetes a number of biblical texts which are often raised as being in opposition to reformed theology.

Invitation to the Table

Away, away! all you who stand erect,
And you who lift your forehead to the clouds;
And all who are with golden rings bedecked,
And in fine linens wrapped, as white as shrouds;
And you who healthy are, and wise, and strong,
Who have full-stuffed with minted coin your purse,
You are not welcome here, howe'er so long
You thumb your ros'ry or bejewel your hearse;
Get hence! your fond excesses all are wrong,
Your feigned good deeds and penances are worse.
Feigned-free, you 're slaves; feigned-blest, you are a curse.

But come, stooped-over, come grotesque and maimed;
All naked, come, and halt and blind and poor;
Come, feast, who guilty are, and pale-ashamed,
And covered with full many an oozing sore.
You will not stain this table with your slime
Nor turn the cup to salt with bitter tears,
Convicted though you be of many a crime,
And tortured by grim-stalking doubts and fears, â€“
You are welcome here, who've squandered all your time,
And left your whole estate in sad arrears!
Come, enemies, come â€“ and leave God's choicest dears.

Here richest wine from Eshcol's cluster flows,
And dainty angels' food down-dropped from heaven
Full thick upon the family table strows
The Father â€“ honied dew wherein's no leaven.
The thirsty here may drink full deep, who hath
No money in his hand, and find rich food;
But he will find a foaming cup of wrath
Who dare to offer but a penny would.
No manna will he taste, but coursest chaff,
Who yearns and sighs for this world's galling good.
Thrice woe! if you so scorn the Savior's blood.

Images of the Savior (10 - Deborah and Barak)

And Barak said unto her, â€œIf you go with me then I will go, but if you do not go with me I will not goâ€. And she said, â€œI will surely go with you; only your glory will not be on the way where you are going, because Yahweh will sell Sisera into the hand of a womanâ€. And Deborah arose and went with Barak unto Kadesh. â€“ Judges 4:8-9

Of the accounts of the judges we have examined so far, the sum is this: that while the judges themselves become progressively less worthy of emulation, and show themselves inadequate to be the King that God's people so desperately need; and while the people themselves are therefore plunged into greater depravity and bondage; the circumstances and histories of the judges nevertheless become ever clearer in their import and typology, as they look ahead to the gospel era of Christ the Savior. In both these respects, we may see a clear proof in our present account of Deborah and Barak. For in this history, Barak the judge displays a timid and cowardly spirit, which proves more certainly than any judge before him that the judges would not be sufficient to save the people forever; but at the same time, the surprising nature of the gospel, that the weak and lowly would triumph over the strong and arrogant, receives a very unexpected testimony. But let us now consider these things a little more fully.

Forgetfulness

If you're a Christian, you might have noticed by now that you have a tendency to forget the Gospel. Like the people of Israel constantly forgetting the many wonders wrought by the Holy One who delivered them out of Egypt, we too forget the historical work of God on our behalf and in our lives. It's particularly disturbing when we forget the work of Christ on the cross, and live in fear of God's displeasure rather than by faith in his love. In fact, I'm frightened by how often I actually forget the Gospel entirely. Is there something wrong with me?

Arm Yourselves

â€œDadâ€™s make sure you have a loaded gun handyâ€¦ while you are at it, get one for your wife so she can defend herself.. and donâ€™t forget the kids, they need weapons too. Oh and donâ€™t forget single people, or the elderly.. or the young people.. no one can be left outâ€¦ the battle is onâ€¦ everyone needs to have access to weaponry.â€ Peter is using this kind of imagery in talking about our attitude to suffering. That's because what we think about suffering really matters. I wrote a brief article on it today here. I trust it would be a blessing. - JS

Psalm Twenty-Seven: Yahweh is My Light and My Salvation

Images of the Savior from the Psalms

Psalm Twenty-Seven: Yahweh is My Light and My Salvation

When David said that Yahweh was his light and his salvation, he was including in those precious epithets all spiritual blessings that could ever be devised or given to mankind. Whom, indeed, should he fear? Yahweh is his light: how could he ever finally be deceived or led astray, and thus prevented from entering that blessed abode, toward which his heart ever yearned, even the very house of the Lord, where he might gaze upon the beauty of the Lord (vss. 4-5)? Here is every good thing imaginable! What pleasure or delight or good might we possibly experience that does not have its illimitable source in the author of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17)? This Lord is David's light, and he will teach him his ways and lead him in straight paths (vs. 11); and so after his heart has said, â€œYour face, O Yahweh, will I seekâ€ (vs. 8), he can never thence be led astray and fail to find that divine countenance which he is seeking.

Imagine walking into Macy's and experiencing this...

On Saturday, October 30, 2010, the Opera Company of Philadelphia brought together over 650 choristers from 28 participating organizations to perform one of the Knight Foundationâ€™s â€œRandom Acts of Cultureâ€ at Macyâ€™s in Center City Philadelphia. Accompanied by the Wanamaker Organ â€“ the worldâ€™s largest pipe organ â€“ the OCP Chorus and throngs of singers from the community infiltrated the store as shoppers, and burst into a pop-up rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handelâ€™s â€œMessiahâ€ at 12 noon, to the delight of surprised shoppers.

One Hour on Sola Gratia

I very much recommend this 1 hour recently recorded podcast where my friend, Dr. James White is interviewed on the vital subject of Sola Gratia (Grace Alone), one of the five main slogans of the Protestant Reformation, explaining what it is both historically and biblically. There is also some interesting discussion concerning some of the modern day counterfeits to the biblical teaching on Godâ€™s grace. The interview with Dr. White can be heard here. - JS

As the crisp, cool days of Autumn grow shorter and the blazing trees shrug off their fleeting glories to stand stark against the frozen sky, we may know with a sighing certainty that winter is indeed coming. Soon, the fresh-harvested fields will snuggle up beneath a blanket of white for a long, deep slumber, and the shopping malls will spring up everywhere with those interminably various â€œsampler packs,â€ enticing gift-seeking consumers with an assortment of the very best wares that can be had in dark chocolates, exotic coffees, hearty sausages and fine cheeses. Soon, those who are unfamiliar with these sophisticated luxuries, taking advantage of a cozy living room and a few days off work, will be introduced to a new world of pleasure, with time to prove all its best offerings and, if things go well, develop an appetite for further exploration in favorite specimens. Perhaps it is only the nostalgia associated with the time of year, but I can think of no better analogy for the recent publication of Always Reformed, a festschrift in honor of W. Robert Godfrey, with a remarkable array of contributors. If you want the â€œsampler packâ€ of the best the conservative, confessional Reformed community has to offer on a wide smattering of topics, then carve out some time this winter to digest this admirable assortment of essays.

Bob Godfrey is certainly a man of various passions, if this collection of writings in his honor has any semblance of authenticity. But even so, why would someone who is unacquainted with this man be willing to give up a couple afternoons of his life to figure out what those interests are? I would suggest this: it is because all of his interests tend toward tracing out the particulars of what he would call a comprehensive, consistent, Christocentric, and committed Calvinism. At a time in which Calvinism is merely a synonym for the five petals of the TULIP, and when the label Reformed is applied to virtually anyone who holds to this minimalistic set of doctrines, regardless of his broader doctrine, piety, and worship, it is refreshing to see a picture of what a Calvinism that extends to every area of life might look like. And that is just what this collection does. It is not just an introduction to the man Bob Godfrey, it is an introduction to a conservative, confessional Reformed theology, practice, piety, and worship â€“ a total package which is as desperately needed in today's Evangelicalism as it is neglected and misunderstood.

The sampling of essay topics in the collection really is diverse. The reader will find something scintillating for just about every taste. There is a strong representation of historical themes, ranging from biographies of some remarkable men of the past to exegetical traditions of difficult passages to the chronicles of Reformed fellowships and denominations. There are also excursions into various theological questions, critiques of much of the contemporary piety and worship in the American Church, apologies for a historic, Reformed practice in worship â€“ and even a little literary criticism.

But if there is one thread that runs through the whole book, in spite of its variety, it has to be the centrality of the Church in all areas of life. I could repeat about this collection the words of David VanDrunen, a former student of Bob Godfrey: â€œBob had communicated â€“ as much informally as formally, as much in practice as in word â€“ the centrality of the church for Christian faith and life. Being a Reformed Christian was about much more than a few key doctrines, excellence at work, or personal devotions. Bob has helped to teach me, and many others, that the church's worship, preaching, sacraments, education, and discipline are central, not peripheral, to Christian pietyâ€. I find this sentiment to be as valid as it is un-American.

The highlights of the book are numerous. Scott Clark's fascinating history of Sister Aimee Semple McPherson was as much a true page-turner as you'll ever come across in a theological tome â€“ and what's more, it contained a moral of tremendous importance for today's church, which has derived so much of her piety and worship practices from Sister's influence, oftentimes, I would suspect, unwittingly. Kim Riddlebarger's appeal for a frequent use of the Lord's Supper is impeccably reasoned and soul-stirring in implication. Hywel Jones offers important, practical wisdom to pastors on the manner in which to preach and teach on the foundational Reformed doctrine of monergistic regeneration. Michael Horton explores the heart of what it really is to be Reformed and â€œalways reformingâ€ in a manner that is both confessional and vibrant, neither denigrating nor idolizing the great documents of the Reformation. D. G. Hart's brief biography of truth-warrior J. Gresham Machen was both fascinating and relevant to battles for the truth that still rage on today. A comprehensive look at the church of the twentieth-century all but demands an evaluation of Karl Barth, which Ryan Glomsrud has capably provided.

These and many other stimulating essays are waiting only for a quiet afternoon and a thoughtful reader to serve up an illustrious platter of delectable wares, a wide-ranging sampling of what it means to be a comprehensive, consistent, Christocentric, and committed Calvinist. By all means, carve out that afternoon sometime this winter, settle down in your favorite chair, and dig in.

Images of the Savior (9 - Ehud and Shamgar)

And Ehud came to him while he was sitting alone in his cool upper chamber; and Ehud said, â€œI have a word from God for youâ€; and he arose from his seat. And Ehud reached with his left hand, and took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly. â€“ Judges 3:20-21

If the book of Judges, as we have seen, serves both to show the downward spiral of Israel into ever-increasing sin and apostasy, and thus display her desperate need for a savior; and also, to foreshadow the one great Savior who would finally save her from her sins in the raising up of judges, who grow consistently more brilliant as types of the Christ while showing themselves consistently more inadequate to be the Christ indeed by their own flaws and foibles; then the case of the next two judges, viz., Ehud and Shamgar, is very notable. For in them, we see a more desperately wicked Israel; a more flawed deliverer; and a much more suggestive typology, as we shall see in due course.

The Reason for God: Conversations on Faith and Life (DVD and Discussion Guide)

Captured live and unscripted, pastor and author Timothy Keller meets with a group of people over six sessions to address their doubts and objections to Christianity. Using literature, philosophy, real-life experiences, and the Bible, Keller and the group explore the truth of Christianity. This DVD (and discussion guide) will help you think about and engage others in dialogue on six common objections to Christianity. The Six 20 minute sessions are:

1: - Isnâ€™t the Bible a Myth? - Hasnâ€™t Science Disproved Christianity? 2: - How Can You Say There Is Only One Way to God? - What About Other Religions? 3: - What Gives You the Right to Tell Me How to Live My Life? - Why Are There So Many Rules? 4: - Why Does God Allow Suffering? - Why Is There So Much Evil in the World? 5: - Why Is the Church Responsible for So Much Injustice? - Why Are Christians Such Hypocrites? 6: - How Can God Be Full of Love and Wrath at the Same Time? - How Can God Send Good People to Hell?

I am going through this DVD and discussion guide with my teenage children and have to say I am very much impressed with it. It is not an indepth biblical study, but it is not meant to be. It is a very helpful starting point to help non-Christians have a safe place to have their main questions answered about the Christian faith and its claims. That is so very helpful. I can see many churches, home groups and individuals using this as an evangelistic tool. My children and I are very much enjoying it (we are half way through). They are already Christians but in their case, the series is providing excellent material for them to help them defend their faith. The series therefore has a double function as both an evangelistic and apologetics resource. I would very much recommend the DVD series and discussion guide. They are now at available at a great discount here at monergism books. - JS

Does God create people whom He knows will end up in hell?

There is no doubt that this is a highly charged emotional question, not just one of the intellect. So much so that it is hard for any of us to consider this question with any degree of objectivity, but I attempt to do that in a short article I wrote today here. - JS

It is God who opens hearts

A New Personal Blog Called "Effectual Grace" Launches Today

I really love this reformation theology website. For more than 5 years I have had the joy and privilege of being a contributor here and it continues to be a tremendous blessing to serve in this way. I can say that this experience has shaped and honed me in ways I did not imagine when I first started writing here. There's something about making a written public statement and then getting comments and feedback from fellow travelers on the internet highway. Some of the unexpected benefits have been that it has made me think through things a whole lot more and to clarify things better. I must admit that there has also been times when I realized that my initial thoughts on a subject may not in fact have been as convincing or water tight an argument (biblically) as I thought. The comments I have received have really made me think, and that is a very good thing. I also hope the process has also made me a better writer. If the readers of this site have been blessed, I have been far far more. God (and John Hendryx who oversees and administrates everything at the site here as well as monergism.com) willing, I will continue to post things here with the same zeal and freshness as the first day I put fingers to the keyboard. As I say, I really love this site.

So in addition to this writing privilege here, today I am launching my own personal blog site called "Effectual Grace" where I can share more about what is currently impacting me as I grow in my walk with the Lord. Its a place where I can delve deeply into the Scriptures on a variety of subjects as well as share things that made me laugh or smile. Its where I will do a lot of my thinking "out loud" so to speak. I invite you to take the journey with me. Hopefully we can grow together at the effectualgrace.com blog. - John Samson

Psalm Twenty-Six: Judge Me, O Yahweh, Because I Have Walked in My Integrity

Images of the Savior from the Psalms

Psalm Twenty-Six: Judge Me, O Yahweh, Because I Have Walked in My Integrity

In this psalm, as in so many others, we find ourselves swept away beyond the time of David, and hear its blessed words on the lips of the Son of David, as he walks about the Temple proclaiming the true doctrine of God. For as we have often noted before, many things which were said well and truly by David, and which may be repeated earnestly and confidently by us, when through the strength that God provides we are walking steadfastly in his example, were finally and perfectly fulfilled only in the life of Christ, into whose pattern we are being conformed by the Holy Spirit, even that same Spirit who spoke by David (2 Sam. 23:2), and prefigured his Son in his psalms. Let us, then, read this psalm with an eye to see it most perfectly displayed in the public ministry of our Lord.

Dumb and Inspiring Feats Caught on Video

Its very humbling to recognize what man CANNOT do, outside of God intervening with His grace. According to the Bible, because man loves his sin by nature, unless a man is first born again (born from above, regenerated or made alive spiritually) he CANNOT enter or even see the kingdom of God (John 3); he CANNOT come to Christ (unless the Father draws him (and all drawn in this way do in fact come) (John 6:44, 65); he CANNOT submit to the law of God or please God (Romans 8:7, 8) and he CANNOT receive the things of the Spirit of God (1 Cor 2:14).. but thankfully, what is impossible with man is still possible with God! On the other hand, its totally amazing what people CAN do! This video is a compilation of extreme and hardly believable (and dumb) feats caught on video. Enjoy!